Singles Cruises
by Sara Blackmoore
One of the questions I am most commonly asked, is "Where can I meet new
people?" Not everyone is into bars, clubs, and the singles scene, so what
options does that leave for finding new friends, and possibility a
partner?
Well one idea that has really taken off in recent years, is the singles
cruise. Quite simply, the singles cruise is a cruise specially organised
for singles! The idea is straightforward enough - everything about the
cruise is geared towards singles. Cruise organisers will try and arrange
it so that the male / female split is around 50:50 (although of course
there are no guarantees), various events, parties, activities and
excursions will be arranged, and normally a co-ordinator is sent along to
oil the cogs and ensure everyone has the best time possible.
Whilst singles cruises don't get around the dreaded "single supplement"
(the additional charge the cruise line makes for solo occupancy of a
cabin), such cruises for singles will offer a guaranteed cabin-share plan
whereby you pay the normal double occupancy rate, and the organiser will
find someone to share with you. You cabin mate will be matched to you by
gender, but that's all - you can't specify Brad Pitt look-a-likes only! If
there is an odd number of passengers and a cabin-mate can't be arranged,
then there is the chance you may get a cabin to yourself. Some cruisers
prefer not to take the risk of ending up with the room-mate from hell, and
pay the supplement, but others have made great friendships this way.
Many singles cruise organisers will arrange a pre-cruise gathering before
the ship sails, typically in a restaurant or bar near the port. This can
be a great way to break the ice and meet fellow passengers before the
holiday gets underway.
So who goes on these singles cruises? All sorts of people. Ages tend to
range anywhere from twenty to sixty, with the majority falling between
thirty and fifty. Not everyone is looking to find a partner, many single
people simply prefer to travel on these cruises because they know there
will be plenty of company for them, or they feel intimidated travelling
alone on a standard cruise. And naturally, there will be a proportion who
are looking for a good time and nothing serious.
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Lots of people
prefer to book a standard cruise. |
Of course, there is no reason why the solo traveller should restrict
themselves to specially organised cruises for singles, lots of people
prefer to book a standard cruise. Indeed some find the singles cruise can
be too regimented with all its various organised activities. If you are
travelling solo on a standard cruise and hoping to meet others, there are
a few tips that can enhance your experience:
When you book your cruise, ask for the second (late) dinner sitting in the
restaurant. Families will go for the earlier one, so you have more chance
of meeting other singles if you choose the second. And not only that,
you'll be able to better enjoy your excursions knowing you don't have to
rush back to the ship!
After you board, take a look at the passenger photos showing the other
cruisers - it's a quick way to find out how many other singles are on the
boat.
You can ask the Maitre D' at the restaurant to try and seat you with other
singles. Some cruises will do this anyway, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The
Maitre D may also be able to tell you how many other singles are around on
the cruise.
Avoid major holiday times such as Christmas and the peak summer season if
you can - that way there will be fewer families aboard, and more singles
cruising. And of course you'll save money by travelling outside of the
high-priced school holiday times.
And on the subject of saving money, there are some real bargains to be had
by booking late. Cruise operators hate to sail with empty cabins, they
would rather fill them at very low prices and have you spending money in
their bars, shops, and casinos than leave the cabin vacant, so keep an eye
on the late deals pages.
There is no guarantee of meeting your soul mate on a singles cruise, or
any other cruise for that matter, but your chances of meeting new friends
and perhaps someone special, are higher than many other types of holiday.
The only danger is you may become addicted, many single cruisers have such
a great time they keep going back for more year after year!
About The Author
Sara Blackmoore is a relationship counsellor and regular contributor to
The Dating WebReview. She lives in London, England with her husband and
two children.
sara@dating-webreview.com
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